“Speed” centers on young race car driver Speed (Emile Hirsch) and his quest for glory in his thundering, gadget-laden Mach 5. Roundtree will play Ben Burns, a racer-turned-commentator who is an icon to the fans and a hero to Speed.

Roundtree joins a cast that includes Matthew Fox (“Lost”), Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman. Shooting is under way in Berlin.

Roundtree, best known for playing the iconic character Shaft, recurred on NBC’s “Heroes” and next season will reprise his role on the ABC Family Channel series “Lincoln Heights.”